Automaker and supplier executives say they are less certain about the EV transition, while investment in gas-electric hybrids jumps from fourth to second place overall, according to KPMG’s annual survey.
The IG Metall metalworkers union, which participated in the UAW’s failed organizing drives at Chattanooga in 2014 and 2019, also has a stake in the UAW’s new fight in Tennessee.
In the wake of its new contract with the Detroit Three automakers, the UAW is moving aggressively to organize non-union plants of transplant automakers.
Stellantis says it is modifying operations at the plants in part because of the need to manage sales of the Jeep vehicles they produce and to comply with California emissions regulations.
The German automaker approved 11% pay raises for Chattanooga employees shortly after UAW members ratified new, 4½-year contracts with General Motors, Ford and Stellantis including 25% increases in base wages.
Virginia voters rejected Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s call for scrapping or severely modifying the state’s participation in initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change.